Page 85 of Empire of Ash

She smiles wryly.

“Bastian is way ahead of you on that. Yeah, we’ve bulked up on security at the office. Honestly, I think every office building in London has. But, yes, I’m being extra cautious. I really don’t think it’s anything like that, but…” She shrugs. “I don’t mind being extra safe.”

“Good.”

She glances at me side-long, biting back a grin.

“Would it be uncouth to change the subject to something more fun?”

“Fuck no,” I groan, both of us laughing.

“No. God no. All I’ve been talking about for a week is extra security, explosions, motives, legal stuff…” I shake my head. “No, please change the subject.

She grins. “Good, because I actually wanted to ask you something big.”

My brow perks. “Oh?”

Her lips curl. “Yeah. So, we’re moving the wedding up a bit: two months from now instead of five.”

My brow furrows. “Oh… okay?”

“I just want to make sure you’re free.”

I grin. “Jules, of course I’ll be at your wedding, no matter when—”

“To be one of my bridesmaids.”

I blink, staring at her.

“I…what?”

“You heard me. It would suck to not have you up there, Ella. Please?”

I beam at her, my heart thudding as I nod eagerly.

“Are you joking?! Yes!”

“Yes!”

She laughs as she hugs me close, squeezing me tightly. When I pull away, it’s like the weight of the last week is finally rolling off my shoulders.

“Oh my God,yes! Obviously! It would be an honor!”

My brow furrows a tinge.

“Wait, so, why are you guys moving it up?”

She shrugs, glancing away.

“Just want to make sure I still fit in the dress.”

I snort. “Please. Look at you. Why would you not—”

My jaw drops when I see her huge grin.

“You areshitting me!”

She beams, shaking her head, her face glowing.